o no, no o!

I won't argue that a new GM will undoubtedly help the turmoiled Redskins, but perhaps this loyal fan should have revised his sign to be more pertinent to last night's game:
BEst
Santa
Present
A New O-line

Last night, the 'Skins O-line was like a broken condom: no protection.

"crippling" snowstorm

You know it's bad when the meteorologist uses the word "crippling".

~ NBC4 website, 18 December 2009

Snow-pocalypse.

Shovelpalooza.

Whatever you want to call it, the DC area got smacked with a buttload of snow. My brother had about 13" of snowfall at 1 pm CST on Saturday, with a total upwards of 20" of the weather-created white stuff. The area hasn't seen a snowstorm, or blizzard if you will, the like of this in over a decade.

If the picture of my brother's deck is any indication, it looks like it'll be around for a while. I just hope they don't lose Liam in it.

it's a two-way street...really...

For the most part, I would say I'm not a self-centered person. Sure I have moments like just about eveyone else where I think the world should revolve around me. The harsh reality is that is doesn't, but one should be allowed a little undivided attention now and then.

And thus comes the rant that will be this post....

I had some spare time at work so I returned a phone call to a friend with whom I'd been playing phone tag. Greetings and saluations were made, as were a brief synopsis of our Thanksgiving holidays. All fine and good. This friend tells me about the health scare her sister had (in greater detail than I really wanted), but in the end, it ended up being something minor. Again, no problem. Then I start to tell her about my sister-in-law's knee issue and how I hope it's not serious; she takes this opportunity not only to check her work e-mail, but proceeds to talk about it while I'm in the middle of my story. Ugh.

I understand that we're all busy as I too have checked work e-mails (or multi-tasked in various ways) while chatting on the phone with friends. It's the way our society has gone. If someone has come into my office or I receive an e-mail that requires immediate attention, I'd like to think I use common courtesy and say "Hey, I gotta go. Someone's in my office (or I have to take care of something now). Call you later."

Other friends have done this, especially my sister-friend with kids. Inevitably, one kid will want something or one will start beating up the other. In instances like this, I would hope one would give attention to that situation. Thus, I am not offended at all, especially since she's nice about it. Things happen. It's called life.

But not this friend of whom I speak. She proceeded to tell me about the e-mail, how she was going to response and how it would affect the rest of her day. Keep in mind, I never got the opportunity to finish my sister-in-law story - or tell her about anything else for that matter. If she had said, "Bec, I have to respond to this ASAP. I'll call you back.", I would have no problem with that, as I have done that to her before.

Not only is the apparent lack of common courtesy evident, I'm unsure if she is oblivious to it or if she just doesn't care about what is going on outside her world (I'd like to think it's the former). I don't get to talk to or see her often, as our schedules haven't meshed well, but it's not for lack of effort on my end. Therefore, phone convos have been the main line no pun intended) of communication. And honestly, it appears that this mode is no longer effective either.

As we all know, communication (amongst other things) in relationships are a two-way street. I'll be honest; I haven't made the effort to call this friend. Maybe it's because I have a need for attention at that point (oops, self-centered moment) and a chat with a friend fulfills that need.Perhaps it's because I enjoy talking with someone rather that have them only want to talk about themselves. Or it could that we're at different points in our lives and it's reflected in our communication (or lack thereof).

The question is: where do I go from here?

out of touch, out of mind?

I am compelled to write this, even though I realize it might cause more harm than good. Yet I cannot sit idly by and keep it all inside. I need to get it out in the open if for any other reason but my sanity.

I feel extremely out of touch with the Kiwanis family, especially those I served with while CKI Administrator. I do realize it is partially my fault, as I have dealt with the following in the past year:

• residual fallout stemming from the divorce (apparently it likes to linger)
• an accident leading to hand-surgery at the end of May
• having to put Lily down due to an intestial blockage in June
• moving during the summer
• and the on-going saga with my parentals

This is not meant to be a sob story as I’m not asking anyone to feel sorry for me. Nor is it a way to minimize issues/problems of others as I know everyone has a lot of things on their plates. I do understand that this does not excuse me being out of touch, but it does explain the why.

However, communication is a two-way street. It hurts that many people (minus about 8-10) whom I served with and thought were my friends didn’t even drop a note to say hi. Event invitations (i.e. dinners, b-day celebrations, district events) have fallen by the wayside. I wish I knew why this was the case.

I know the end of my term as CKI Administrator came at a less-than-perfect time and less than ideal circumstances. I’m happy to know that the district is in good hands, as that was my greatest concern. Yet I feel that since I am no longer Administrator, I am no longer worthy of being included. This might be extreme, but that’s how I feel. Regardless, it hurts any way you want to define it.

But why bring this up now? It's been eight months now, and I was hoping my attitude about the Kiwanis family would change. Sadly, it hasn't. I might even be a bit jaded. It’s hard to think that an organization that meant so much to me just doesn’t anymore.

facebook folly?

Just out of curiousity, I checked out the We're not Crazy, We're just Catholics facebook groups as one of my friends had recently joined AND I was raised Catholic. Yes, I chuckled at some of the statements.

Then I looked at the advert on the page; a Give A Gift of a gay pride button. Um, last I checked the Catholic Church was not one of the most gay-friendly religions. Yes, I chuckled again.

Apparently these adverts are indeed random.

another reason to proofread...

If you are going to permanently deface property, at least have the common sense to spell the graffiti correctly.

Anarky? Really, even Sid Vicious got that one right....

yo G, let's go to M-dog's...

Seen inside the Michael's on Highway 100/National...seriously, what is the arts & crafts world coming to?

at a loss...

With a last name like mine, you learn to have a sense of humor about it all.

It's "Loss". I suppose it could indeed be worse. Anything with "butt" in the name, for example. Growing up, I heard wonderful questions such as:

"Loss...did you find yourself?"
"Are you at a loss for words?" (Ironically, this is rare within my family)

However, as I got older I learned to embrace my name...case in point, I chose to revert back to my maiden name after my divorce. Some may argue that I did it to symbolize the closing of that chapter of my life. But the truth is: I truly am a "Loss" not just in name, but also due to a fascinating little thing called DNA.

I mentioned sense of humor previously; this, along with sinus infections, is a prominent Loss trait. My dad used to cut out newspaper clippings about our famous "relatives" such as Tax Loss and Hair Loss. I suspect that, during my brother's and my childhood, this was used this as some sort of coping mechanism. As we all know, kids can be cruel.

Oddly enough, in my adult life I find myself pointing out similar occurences on the tv. Due to the economic downturn, Corporate Loss has been in the news quite frequently. Just last week when the Packers lost to the Bucs (tee hee), Embarrassing Loss and Devastating Loss decided to make a visit to Wisconsin. Thanks to shows like the Biggest Loser, Weight Loss has gained popularity. And Hair Loss seems to be the unwanted visitor that stays with many men in their 40s and beyond.

Yes, we got a laugh out of it then and continue to get a laugh out of it now. Thus, we learned a valuable lesson: if you're laughing at yourself, it's less likely that others will. Whether that's true or not remains to be seen. However, I seem to live by that credo on most days, which may explain why I'm usually willing to make an ass of myself.

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the other credo, "R Loss is your gain".

billy's got talent

Well, actually there's no one named Billy; rather Ben, Ian, John and Aaron. But don't let that fool you...

Billy Talent indeed has talent. They're one of the best bands of the millenium that you've likely never heard of (somehow this Toronto-based band can't break in stateside) and thus, one of the best bands you're not listening to.

I saw these guys at the Metro in Chicago in mid-September. It easily was the one of the most high-energy shows I've seen...and one of my top five concerts ever (and as a DJ in college, I've seen a lot of live shows).

So, check out their website and give a listen. You won't be disappointed...

And as an added bonus, check out the video for "Devil In A Midnight Mass" - it's probably my favorite BT song and the bass line is bad ass...

ain't it nifty, look who's 50....

I was remiss in not posting this yesterday, but not to worry, I did listen to Anthology whilst driving in my car in his honor.

Yes, Bryan Adams turned 50 yesterday. And yes, I am dork to admit to knowing that. Then again, I've been a fan since Cuts Like A Knife (1983).

Cheers!

27 never looked so icky...

The baseball season is now officially over (for a few months anyway, as the 2010 season begins in April) so I guess it's time to review my World Series prediction:

The Good:

The Yankees did go to the fall classic. That was to be expected, not because I like the Yankees by any means, but because they were the best team in the AL (oh, and I called it)

It only took six games to declare a winner.

The Bad:

The Phillies went instead of the Dodgers. This is only bad prediction-wise; I actually preferred the Phils out of all the NL teams and was pulling for a repeat.

The Ugly:

The Yankees win their 27th title, thus proving money can indeed buy a World Series championship. And we get the (dis)pleasure of hearing about it for a whole year.

autumn is here...

And it's apparently here to stay.

This is the outside wall of an apartment buidling on North Stowell between East Webster & East Bradford. Some of the contrast is lost on the picture, but you get the idea.

proofreading is important

I may not have voted for Reagan in our mock-elections at school.

I am not happy that my hometown airport is named after him.

However, as a past President of the United States, he deserves respect.

That includes having his last name spelled correctly on a roadsign.

yes, seriously....

This morning, I went to the printer to pick up a document I printed (duh!). I look to my left, and lo & behold, I see this ----->

It is just wrong.

It's a Christmas tree. A Christmas tree up in mid-October. Can't we at least get through Halloween (and preferrably Thanksgiving) first?

There are scarecrow-type ornaments adorning it. Who the hell puts scarecrows on a Christmas tree? The tree-topper is an orange bear. I have no problem with a bear in general, but apparently it's been a naughty bear because it's been hung with a noose around its neck.

And the scary snowman in the front of the tree. Emphasis on "snow". Why? The snow will be here soon enough without this encouragement.

I suspect I will have to endure a "Thanksgiving" tree as well, complete with a turkey as the tree-topper.

i ♥ baseball playoffs

Ah, the leaves are changing color, the days are getting shorter. This can only mean one thing: baseball playoffs!!!

There's just something about "America's past time" going into playoff mode...atmosphere, the strategy, the competitive spirit. Maybe I like it a little too much as that I will watch the games even if I don't particularly care who wins.

That being said, here's my opinion of the teams in contention for the 2009 fall classic (and yes, I do have my favorites....):

National League:

• Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies winning would be cool only because it's a rarity for any team to win back to back championships in any sport. And if they do, maybe we'll discover what the "Philly Phanatic" actually is. To me, it resembles a green, hairy Snork.
• Colorado Rockies: Admittedly, I'm not that well-versed on the Rockies - I don't think anyone outside the Mountain Time zone really is unless one is a ginormous baseball fan. That's enough reason to pull for them.
• Los Angeles Dodgers: I'm not sure how I feel about them. Although, they are currently up 2-0 in the NLDS vs. the Cardinals....and that's a good thing.
• St. Louis Cardinals: Just as long as it's not these guys.

American League:

• Minnesota Twins: Ah, the Twins. They amaze the MLB every year as they always put together a competitive team despite not being a large-market baseball city and low payroll (read: Yankees polar opposite); and losing big-name players like Torii Hunter to the Angels and Johann Santana to the Mets (note: Mets, not in playoffs). They may lack the finesse of the Yankees as the word "scrappy" comes to mind...but they've got spunk. Spunk wins over finesse. And they have Joe Mauer, AL Batting Champ. On a personal note, I've been a Twins fan for about as long as I've been a Cubs and Orioles fan - and was probably the only kid in Potomac, MD (aside from my brother) who possessed a Homer Hankie and a Twins Wheaties box. I remember the magic of Kirby, Hrbek, Gaetti and the rest of the 1987 and 1991 teams. The Twins put together something special in those years, and have the gumption and talent to do it again in 2009. GO TWINS!
• Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: The Angels are the only team with something else to play for: Nick Adenhart. Adenhart was an up and coming starting pitcher who was killed by a drunk driver in April 2009. The news of his death shocked the MLB - especially in LA/Anaheim and Baltimore (as he was a Maryland native). The team has essentially dedicated this season to Adenhart's memory...and he continues to be a driving force in their playoff run. If the Angels win, it will definitely be in part due to the Adenhart factor and fans jumping on the bandwagon for that very reason. By far, the sentimental story of these playoffs. I made the corny "angels in the outfield" reference, but in this case, it's not far from the truth. The Angels has persevered in this tragedy, along with commitment and emotion. It just might bring them to the World Series.
• New York Yankees: There's baaaaaaack....and most folks, myself included, aren't overly thrilled about it. I can respect their history, their storied players, etc. However, it just goes to show that money can potentially buy a championship.
• Boston Red Sox: They broke their curse before my beloved Cubs did. I'm not happy about this.

As for World Series match-ups...

• I would love a Twins/Rockies series. Sadly, I don't think that will happen, but with the magic of October baseball, you never know.
• If the Twins don't go, I'm with the Angels. For reasons referenced above, they are the sentimental favorite.
• Realistically, I'm looking at a Yankees/Dodgers series. Joe Torre faces his former team. Dodgers in six.

First team to 11 wins...

arty...

It begs the question:

What is an "arty" sub?

It could be a sub overdone with garnish.

Or a sub with cool mustard designs.

Or a mouthwatering creation with the edible layers stacked just so.

Wait, aren't the "sandwich artists" at that other sub place?

bicycle...bicycle...

Let me start out by saying that overall I have no issue with cyclists as a whole. I have more than a handful of friends who are avid cyclists who I am more than happy to share the road with them as they follow the rules and are respectful of others. However, there are those cyclists who are just so rude and disrespectful - especially on the east side - that make sharing the road with them a pain in the ass.

Some tips for those "select" cyclists:

A bicycle is technically considered a vehicle. Thus, a vehicle should be ridden on the road...NOT the sidewalk. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to move yield to a cyclist riding down the middle of the sidewalk as they are oblivious to their surroundings. In fact, I (and Cayenne as well) have come damn close to being hit. I'm injury-prone, and thus quite capable of getting injured without assitance, thank you very much.

Road signs are not optional. Seriously...that stop sign applies to you too. And that "One Way" sign on North Frederick....yeah, that's another one. In my daily two mile afternoon walk with Caye yesterday, I witnessed three cyclists run stop signs and one traveling the wrong way on Frederick...along with the daily dodging of sidewalk cyclists.

Cyclists, in fact, do not own the road. I understand that cars are parked along the street, however that does not mean cycling down the middle of the road is acceptable. This is especially true when there is a line of cars behind said cyclists. Common courtesy would dictate staying as far right as feasible possible (to avoid rearview mirrors) so that all can travel effectively and efficiently. Drivers are willing to share the road, but only if cyclists are willing to do the same.

I'm all for cyclists and their legal right to be on the road. However, those who pick and choose the rules they wish to abide by to make their life easier makes it that much more difficult for the general population.

I'll give cyclists a brake, so long they give the rest of us one too.

get your fixx

Frozen custard: it's a Milwaukee staple. There are state-reknown (and perhaps even Midwest-reknown) custard stands all across the metro area. The stands that everyone's heard of? Kopps. Gilles. Leons. Oscars. Admittedly, I have been to all of them on more than one occassion.

However, there is one custard place that seems to get lost in the shuffle. But to us east side dwellers, it's the place to get our fixx...our Lixx Fixx.

Lixx, on the corner of Belleview and Downer, has been a cornerstone of the upper east side for as long as I've been in Mil-town. The great thing about Lixx: you can create your own Fixx from a list of numerous ingredients from heath bar to blueberry to peanut butter...well, you get the point. Of course, my mom went with her standard rasberry. My personal fave...cinnamon apple bits and caramel.

You really can't go wrong with a Lixx Fixx. It's a delicious treat for people...and canines...of all ages. Just ask Caye.

schadenfreude

Schadenfreude: pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others or simply put, happiness at the misfortune of others.

"Wow, that IS German!" I can say that, I'm 1/2 German. And after meeting some of my German relatives, I can verify that it is scarily accurate. Yet this concept (or phenomenon, if you will) has transcended far beyond one ethnic group....right into the very fibers of our society and culture.

American society as a whole was introduced to the concept "schadenfreude" through pop culture as early as 1991 thanks to The Simpsons. Lisa asks Homer if he's ever heard of schadenfreude after he is excessively happy that Ned Flanders' business is failing. Defining it for him, she says, "It's a German term for "shameful joy", taking pleasure in the suffering of others." The word/concept has also appeared in other hit shows, including Malcolm in the Middle. If you've seen that show, it shouldn't shock you. Malcolm seems to be based upon that very premise.

However, most people became familiar with the term by way of Avenue Q; the Broadway musical that can be described as: Sesame Street gone wrong. Any sick and/or twisted thought you conjured up about Sesame Street, well, you're not the only one. Here it is in a musical.

To quote the song Schadenfreude from said musical: "Nothing I can do! It's Schadenfreude makin' me feel glad that I'm not you!" Later in the same song, the happiness at the misfortune of others continues...

Nicky: How 'bout straight A students getting B's?
Gary: Exes getting STDs!
Nicky: Waking doormen from their naps!
Gary: Watching tourist reading maps!
Nicky: Football players getting tackled!
Gary: CEOs getting shackled!

Hysterically funny? Yes. But think about it. Society as a whole does it...especially the news.

The May 2008 earthquake in China stands out as a perfect example of schadenfreude and how it has affected society as a whole. I was on vacation in Greece when this natural disaster occured. Not able to understand a damn word of Greek, I received any information deemed newsworthy from BBC News and CNN. As we all know from the pictures and live footage, the destruction was massive and left tens of thousands dead. I understand the need to be "live on the scene" as it is, and likely will remain, one of the worst natural disasters of our lifetime. However, I don't understand the need to interview a grandmother (with help from a translator) who cannont locate any of her family in the rubble. It is highly likely that her children and grandchildren have perished in the devastation, and we're seeing her have a breakdown on national, no...international, television. As a society we thrive on sensationalism, but quite frankly, this was ridiculous.

I experienced wide range of emotions. I was saddened at the death and destruction, disgusted that they continued to interview survivors obviously going through major emotional turmoil; yet I found it somewhat comical with people frantically shifting through the rubble as it resembled a scene from a really bad B movie (I'm blaming the Mythos beer for this). And I caught myself thinking "I'm so glad that's not me. It would suck. I'm happy I'm safe on vacation and not in China." And there it was: on the island of Mykonos I had a schadenfreude experience.

Is it wrong? Definitely.

But again, it reinforces the fact that no one is immune. Schadenfreude is also readily evident with common sayings/catch phrases:

• "Sucks to be you." I'm willing to bet that everyone has said this. If not, you're lying.
• "I'm glad I'm not that guy." You've said that too. You know you have.

Or common daily occurances:

• Being amused when someone is trying to walk a straight line in a 40 mph wind gust.
• Feeling warm and safe in your home while watching people in the their cars stuck in a snowstorm.
• Chuckling (or in my case, Nelson's "ha-ha" from The Simpsons) when someone is pulled over for speeding. Admittedly, I do this all the time.

Or on the web:

• http://www.fmylife.com/: I check this daily. In a strange, twisted way it makes me realize my life could be so much worse and really doesn't suck.

Yes, schadenfreude is alive and well in our daily lives, whether we want to admit it or not.

Now I think I'm going to take the elevator to get a coke and if someone asks me to hold the door, I won't. Then on the ride down, I'm going to laugh at them.

east side special

Mid-August in Milwaukee is known for many things. IrishFest at Summerfest grounds. Chocolate-covered bacon at State Fair. Scrambling to make the most out of those last summer weekends.

And lastly, the east side of Milwaukee transforming into garbage dumps.

This is a tradition much unlike any other. Seeing that this area of Milwaukee is highly populated with college students, it's safe to say most leases run August-July or something similar. This also begins a coexisting tradition called "moving". As a result, between 1-15 August, materials magically appear on the sidewalks (sometimes overflowing into the streets) - just about the time most leases expire. This also explains the increased presence of a vehicle known as a U-Haul.

Now I understand that some of this furniture is Wal-Mart quality and probably can be tossed, as actually moving it to a new place would a pain in the ass and it's easier to buy something new (and maybe upgrade to Target quality in the process). Some of it really is trash, i.e. cardboard boxes; that couch that has numerous stains from beer, pizza, puke...well, you get the point. Some abandoned articles make you wonder; for example, how on earth did that toilet split in half like that?

However, not all of it is trash. Once in a while you can find a diamond in the rough. One year a loveseat and bookcase were among my "east side specials".

Although I'd be weary of getting any sofas or loveseats this year. I think my dog has peed on most of them.

there's no nice way to say it...

Kicking the bucket.
Going six feet under.
Having the angels ask you to fly.

No matter how metaphoric or flowery you put it, death is not a fun or happy subject nor is there a nice way to say it. I realize this blog is (or at least is so far) about more frivolous and less life-altering subjects, but once in a while, a trip down a darker road is deemed necessary.

Let's face it, there's been quite a bit of death in 2009. Personally, my Grandmom and my dog, Tiger Lily, passed on.

Grandmom's death was somewhat expected and "a relief" (as my dad put it) as her health was failing. She also wasn't her usual feisty, spunky self; which was quite strange and sad as she was always busy running around and quick with a sassy comment. Grandmom was also the relative who always told me I was so creative and should really doing something with those talents. Well, it took a few years but I finally listened...thanks Grandmom.

Tiger Lily's passing was completely unexpected which makes it a little sadder on some level. She was also my first pet as an adult, so she'll always hold a special place in my heart. Lily was a good dog that sometimes did bad things (such as eating couch cushions) but overall had a good and happy life. Her mom and her brother Caye also miss her very much.

However, death has affected almost everyone on some level this year as a number of high-profile "rich and famous" people have passed. Not that celebrities overshadow our families, friends or pets passing because that is certainly not the case. But in this years "class of 2009", at least one of them has had some impact on each of us (whether it be directly or indirectly).

Ed McMahon: Carson's sidekick - thus making him the most well-known sidekick in history. The former host of Star Search - arguably the precursor to American Idol (and all the other reality talent competitions). I don't know if I can forgive him for that.

Farrach Fawcett: I remember playing Charlie's Angels as a kid but since I was a brunette I always ended up as Kate Jackson. Honestly, that's probably why I wasn't huge fan of hers in the day. However, the way she publicly and courageously dealt with her battle with cancer speaks volumes. For that alone, she should be admired.

Michael Jackson: Personal life aside, MJ truly was "The King of Pop" and one of the few all-around entertainers of the 80s. Sure he was certifiably bizarre and whiter than I was, but we can only speculate on the "inner" demons. He will be forever recognized (and rightfully so) for his contributions to the music and entertainment industry.

Billy Mays: Maybe a pseudo-celebrity, but the world would be a much dirtier place without Oxy Clean and Orange Glo.

Walter Cronkite: As a broadcast minor, we watched early footage of Mr. Cronkite. Amazing. The man could almost transport you to the live action to the point where you felt like you were experiencing it yourself. How could he do it? "That's the way it is". There is no other way to sum it up.

John Hughes: Perhaps of all the celebrities, this one hits the hardest as his movies were a fabric of our lives in the 80s. We may have forgotten (until recently anyway) that he was involved in Uncle Buck and Home Alone (and thus largely responsible for Macaulay Caulkin's career)...but movies like Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Sixteen Candles and my personal favorite, The Breakfast Club remain true classics. Each one of us could relate to at least one of the characters in The Breakfast Club, and the film helped us to realize that no one social sect in high school had it easy. Hughes effectively tackled the highs and lows of growing up in a humorous way, yet made you think at the same time. I doubt anyone in the near future will come close to capturing the essence of adolescence quite the way Hughes did.

M to the D

I have officially (meaning not including my days at Marquette) lived in Wisconsin for over a decade, yet I continue to maintain Maryland plates on my vehicle. Apparently, I harbor some sentimental attachment to my home state.

However, on my way to work this morning I realized that I was not alone. At exit 308C (the US 41 north exit by Miller Park), there it was.

Another Maryland license plate in all its glory.

Not a common occurance in these parts, especially during the morning rush. Thus, I was compelled to take a picture (note: I usually don't take pictures while operating a motor vehicle). I don't care why they were buzzing along I-94 at 7:24 am; the point is there are more Marylanders in Wisconsin.

Perhaps this means that someone else in Wisco says "coke" the same way I do....

trials and tribulations of a summer birthday

Seeing my birthday is 2 August (less than a week away), I figured it would be the appropriate time to explore the trials and tribulations of a being a summer baby.

As a kid, there took some planning (mostly by Mom) to ensure that my brother (DOB 25 July) and I had happy and fun birthday parties. This usually meant having a birthday party in mid-June or early September. Why? Most kids in my hometown either went to summer camp or on vacation...and in many cases both. For some reason, almost everyone was busy the last week of July and the first week of August. I'm certain that a number of my friends really thought my birthday was mid-June. Once I hit high school, then the celebrations actually occurred within a week of my birthday. It was quite the nice change.

Another disadvantage about having a summer birthday as a kid: I never got to bring treats in on said birthday and have the class sing "happy birthday" to me. Maybe I can be a bit of an attention whore at times (although this is totally acceptable behavior on one day of the year), but I was jealous. I wanted to be sung to. My family sang (or at least attempted) to me, but it's not quite the same. When I was 20, I finally experienced this piece of childhood. I was a camp counselor and one of the kids had the same birthday. One of the counselors found out so they sang to me as well. That was cool.

However, I thought the perils of summer birth would disappear with childhood. Oh, how wrong I was...

I thought in adulthood the summer vacation phenomenon wouldn't be a huge factor as you only get a couple weeks of vacay. This is and of itself is true. But another phenomenon has taken its place: reunions. Reunions of any sort. High school. College. Family. Apparently, the end of July/beginning of August are fabulous times for these celebrations. I'm not inclined to agree.

Despite my little tirade/temper tantrum/whatever you want to call it, I love that my birthday is in the summer. It's warm, usually sunny and people just seem to be more in the mood to celebrate. A celebration has never been cancelled due to a blizzard. There are more options for festivities - picnics, baseball games, etc. - if one so chooses. While in college, I ended up with multiple b-day celebrations: family, high school friends and college friend (upon return to campus in August). Talk about a trifecta. And yes, that meant I got not one, but two big 21st birthday celebrations. Additionally, my birthday's in early August so there are absolutely no significant holidays; ergo, no competition.

Maybe a summer birthday isn't so bad after all, not that I could change it. But if I had the opportunity, I don't think I would.

Cheers.

go.

During my time as WUM CKI (Wisconsin-Upper Michigan Circle K) District Administrator, I was called upon to give comments, advice, etc. on more than one occasion. Probably the most public of these "pearls of wisdom" (using the term loosely if these comments are coming from me) is the Administrator Comments at the closing session of our annual district convention.

I'm not one to toot my own horn. However, I received numerous complements (and a standing ovation, which quite frankly, shocked the hell out of me) on my speech at the closing session of the 2009 District Convention: Superheroes for Service. The one I hold most dear is from Stan, whom I replaced as Administrator (and those are extremely big shoes to fill): "I wanted to tell you that your comments at the closing session yesterday were great. Certainly, better than any I ever did. I should have been enlisting your skills as a speechwriter the whole time."

But that is not why I decided to post the speech.

The purpose of the speech was to (nicely) light the proverbial fire under the ass and mobilize people to action. That action? Service.

Keep in mind the Kiwanis (CKI's parent organization) defining statement: Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.

What does this mean? CKI is not about politics. It's not about the titles and the shiny name badge. It's about serving others and the community. It's about working toward a common goal: the greater good and making the world at least a little better than we found it.

So, without further adieu, the speech...

The average is the borderline that keeps men in their place. Those who step over the line are heroes by the very act. Go.

I reference this quote for two reasons. First, using this quote probably makes me the only administrator to ever reference Henry Rollins. Second, the quote speaks to me. Those that go above and beyond, those that think outside the box, those that make a difference…are heroes…superheroes for service.

My good friend recently wrote an article about service clubs for Milwaukee Magazine. She contacted me to get a Kiwanis angle. Initially, she was going to write about a Kiwanis fundraiser we attended…until I started talking about Kiwanis Family Service Day. A lot. After all, Kiwanis and the whole K-Family is about service. It’s the reason I became involved with CKI. Needles to say, she was intrigued. I mean, how many organizations have an event that log 800 hours of service…in one day?

KFSD was originally the cornerstone of the article. Unfortunately, editors frequently want a story to go in a different direction – and so it did.

However, my friend asked the poignant question: Why? Why do you do this?

I sincerely never thought about it. I was brought up in a family that consistently served. My mom volunteered in the school library, amongst other things. My dad delivers food to the Women’s Shelter in southeast DC on a monthly basis – something he’s been doing since I was a kid. Really, I thought giving back and serving the community was something you were supposed to do.

But it got me thinking…why? Why do we devote so much time and energy to service?

If you know me, eloquence is not one of my strengths. However, my friend also interviewed Bree Boettcher, your Service Chair for the article. She summed it up better than I ever could: “I think the more important question is not why, but rather, why not? Why not choose to rake for the elderly or sort food at a shelter? Why not raise money to help the life-changing Easter Seals camps or to provide water purification salts for Africa? It is simply the right thing to do. How can I ever sit idle and not volunteer when there are people who need me? So my answer to anyone who ever asks a volunteer why is: why not?”

Why not indeed? WUM CKI definitely said why not…

This year, we logged over 11,000 of service hours – approximately 24 hours per member. Or think of it this way - there are 8760 hours in a year. This means every hour of every day, at least one WUM CKI members was performing service. From walking dogs at the Humane Society to providing respite for parent at United Cerebral Palsy to participating in Relay for Life and March for Babies to raise money for worthy causes - you have served your communities well. And you have served with enthusiasm, determination and passion…to make a difference.

Each and every one of you are heroes to these individuals and communities…true superheroes for service.

Yes, each ONE. “One can make a difference.” And it’s true…all it takes is one. One person. One club. One division. One district. One organization. One vision…

Go.

here comes the hammer...

By request, I was asked to write about how MC Hammer has had an impact on the present day cultural scene. And believe it or not, the Hammer did not disappoint....

Hammer pants are back.

That's right. In the late 80s/early 90s, these baggy, parachute-style pants were all the rage (thanks in part to MC Hammer himself). Twenty years later, they're haute courture once again but under the monkier "harem pants". Thankfully, when created out of material such as tweed they are slightly less obvious and obnoxious than say, gold or purple lamé. In some strange, twisted way maybe Hammer is "2 legit to quit"...

And did I mention he's signed for a 13-episode reality show on A&E?

goodbye Sears...hello Willis?

A Chicago icon is no more...in name anyway.

Today the Sears Tower is officially renamed the Willis Tower after Willis Group Holdings, the British insurance outfit that bought the building.

I understand the logic behind the renaming. Sears moved out in 1992. Willis is occupying most of the building and bringing hundreds of jobs to the city. Why wouldn't said company rename the building?

The sentimental side doesn't like it too much. When I see the first glimpse of the Chicago skyline driving down I-94, I get excited. The most prominent building? The Sears, oops, I mean Willis Tower. Walking along Lake Michigan or Navy Pier, there it is in its urban glory.

Sigh. OK, I guess I can call it Willis Tower for one day.

But in the hearts and minds of us Chicago sentimentalists, it will always be the Sears Tower.

hey now, you're an all-star

Baseball has been, and probably always will be, my favorite professional sport.

I've been a fan since I was six, and vividly remember my first game (but I'll spare you most of the details):

Orioles v. Yankees at the old Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. I attended with my granddad, dad and brother. My other option was to attend a family bridal shower. Given the choice today, I'd still pick the baseball game.

The O's were winning 3-1 in the bottom of the fifth. The Yanks scored 4 runs in the top of the 6th to go ahead 5-3. Then the storm came. A three-hour storm. O's win, 3-1.

And I was hooked.

Now growing up in Maryland just outside DC (pre-Nats era) it's pretty obvious why I'm an O's fan. Being a Cubs fan; that takes a small explanation. My granddad and dad hail from Chicago. The north side of Chicago. They taught me about baseball and at age six, I could be easily influenced; yet I have never wavered from being a Cubs fan. The Cubs are the ultimate underdogs. I like underdogs. And let's face it, I enjoy being a Cubs fan living in Milwaukee - if anything, it annoys people. And that's just fun.

But on the evening of the midsummer classic, we tend to put away rivalries for just one game and focus on the actual game of baseball. We sit back and remember it as "America's pasttime". It's a never-ending story where every game is a new nine-inning chapter and every player has the chance to be the hero.

Thus in honor of the All-Star game and the players past & present, I give you my favorite memories:

• 1983, Comiskey Park, Chicago - Cal Ripken Jr.'s first all-star appearance (warning: you'll see a theme here)
  
• 1990, Wrigley Field, Chicago - It's Wrigley. Ryne Sandberg, one of my all-time favorite players gets to play at his home field. And Mr. Cub himself, Ernie Banks, throws out the first pitch.


• 1991, SkyDome, Toronto - Cal Ripken Jr. wins MVP


• 1993, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore - Cal Ripken Jr. gets to play at his home field. Jim Palmer is honorary captain. Kirby Puckett wins MVP.


• 1999, Fenway Park, Boston - All-Century team is named which includes Cubs Ernie Banks and Greg Maddux (well, he started as a Cubbie); and Orioles Jim Palmer, Brooks Robinson, Eddie Murray and my all-time favorite player Cal Ripken Jr.


• 2001, Safeco Field, Seattle - Cal Ripken Jr.'s final All-Star game. At the start of the game, Alex Rodriguez suggested Ripken move over to his customary shortstop position. An ultimate classy move, and the sole reason I don't completely dislike A-Rod. Ripken hits his first pitch over the left field wall and receives his 2nd MVP.


• 2002, Miller Park, Milwaukee - The military fly-by route went right over my house. I thought that was uber-cool. The game itself ended in a tie.

So, take me out to the ballgame...

stop, collaborate and listen...

Admit it...

You know the lyric. You wanted to be "rollin' in your 5.0 with the rag top down so your hair can blow..." You actually listened to the song when it came on the radio and watched the video on MTV (when they still played music).

I was with "Gabe" (for lack of a better name) at a watering hole watching sports highlights and we heard the beginnning notes to this infamous song. Something came over me. I proceeded to recite all - and I mean ALL - the lyrics, complete with some dance moves. I think Gabe was, well, impressed wouldn't be the word I'd use. Frightened would be more like it.

Perhaps I should have been embarassed that I knew all the lyrics. Strangely, I wasn't.

Circa 1990, Vanilla Ice was somewhat a breath of fresh air. Prior to the "Ice Ice Baby" phenomenon, the only white rapper-esque artist was the Beastie Boys. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of the Beasties to this day and they introduced us to the "rock-rap" angle. But Vanilla - at this point in musical history anyway - showed us that a white guy could perform rap AND hip-hop, or at least hip-hop as white folks knew it. Love it or leave it, Vanilla Ice did impact the scope of music in the early 1990s and dare I say, helped bring hip-hop into mainstream culture.

I almost wanted play my "To The Extreme" CD when I got home. Emphasis on the word almost. Yes, I still own the CD. For some unexplainable reason, I can't part with it.

The only thing that frightened me in this event was the following: I can't remember what I ate for dinner last Thursday, yet apparently I have ample brain storage for song lyrics of the early 90s.

Word to your mother...

ah...the Pinecone

While driving back from a facility visit on Wednesday, I stopped by to see an old friend: the Pinecone. For those of you unfamilar with this magical place, it is a gas station off I-94 (WI-26/Johnson Creek exit). But it by far is not just any gas station (or "travel plaza", if you will)...

It is the home of the place where elephant ears are as big as one's head and as a result, one could find crumbs from said delicious delight in the backseat of a car for months after the indulgence; where cookies rival the size of manhole covers (ok, maybe not that big, but they are impressive); where eclairs are so gimorous that it can potentially take three days to finish, speaking from experience (note to self: do not try to drive while eating a gimorous eclair ever again).

However, it's much more than the baked goodness...

I first stumbled upon the Pinecone years ago, but was re-aquianted with this icon in April 2006 en route to Camp Wawbeek in the Dells...thanks Danny and Andrew! The Pinecone is a, dare I say "mandatory", stop when travelling to/from camp (or any other destination). It's "the" place:

• to get just the right amount of sugar/caffeine needed for a weekend of no sleep and to get than last "rush" to actually make it back to Milwaukee (and then catch up on sleep)
• to discover how many things you really can decorate with a Packers logo
• to find a greeting card with a Badger picture
• to laugh at the above "findings" (and more) with like-minded, fun-loving people
• to begin and/or end yet another fabulous adventure

It's about good friends and good memories...yes, all that from a little 'ol gas station in Johnson Creek.

everyone else is doing it...

...so why can't I?

That's right, I jumped on the blog bandwagon. The world web should be afraid, very afraid...